Learning The Importance Of Face Masks For Kids

The need to wear a face mask is even more important now than it was before. The mask offers protection against the rising air pollution and the ongoing corona virus pandemic. With the kids still too young to be vaccinated against the pandemic, the mask is the best option they have to protect themselves when they go out. 

Staying back at home will protect the kids against both and hence going out with kids should be avoided unless absolutely necessary. When it becomes mandatory for kids to go out of their homes, they should wear N95 masks for kids. 

How the mask works

Usually, pollution spreads in the form of gaseous particles and suspended particulates generally known as PM2.5 and PM10. The COVID19 virus spreads in the form of respiratory droplets produced when people talk, sing, sneeze, or cough. Since people can be asymptomatic yet have the capability to spread the contagion, any person who does not wear a mask is a threat to himself and the community as a whole.

Masks work by not allowing the contagion and pollutants from entering the human body through the nose and mouth. It also prevents the contagion from spreading in the air and infecting others. However, to ensure maximum protection, the mask should be worn properly so that it fits snugly around the mouth, nose, cheeks, and chin. 

Parents of kids should be extra careful in their selection of N95 masks for kids. These masks can filter out 95% of pollutants. They are also recommended as protection against the COVID19 virus. To maximize its preventive qualities, parents should ensure they buy the correct sized masks for their kids. Their mouths and noses should be sealed but care needs to be taken to ensure that they do not face difficulty in breathing or suffer from any other discomfort.

When should kids wear masks?

While kids must wear an anti pollution mask when they venture outside, they should continue to wear masks in their homes if they are living with a COVID19 infected person. However, the need to wear masks differs from age to age. Some of the recommendations made by UNICEF are:

• Kids aged 5 and below: Keeping in mind the overall health interests of the child, it is recommended that such kids do not wear masks. But if it becomes necessary for them to wear a mask, parents should constantly keep supervising them.

• Kids between 6 to 11 years of age: Kids of this age need to wear a mask if:

• There are several COVID19 cases in the area or if the pollution levels are very high
• The kids are capable of handling a mask, taking it off, and putting it back on
• If adult supervision is present to help them put on the mask correctly and also while they are wearing it
• If kids interact regularly with people with a high risk of developing a health condition like the elderly or people with co-morbidity

• Kids aged 12 years and above: These kids have to wear the air pollution mask in the same way that adults do.

Since kids are vulnerable to sicknesses, they have to be kept safe. Hence, the above recommendations must be followed.